AEROTHAI Selects Saab ADS-B for Expanded Trial in Thailand

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) for Thailand, has selected defense and security company Saab to deploy an upgraded and expanded Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system across Thailand. The ADS-B system will provide surveillance of flights over Thailand’s airspace in an expanded trial of the technology.

Saab first deployed an ADS-B trial system for AEROTHAI in 2007 at their headquarters in Bangkok to enable AEROTHAI’s initial surveillance evaluation of ADS-B. That system is being upgraded and expanded to increase the ADS-B coverage of Thailand airspace with the goal to study reduced separation and improved flight efficiency as more aircraft become equipped with ADS-B.

“We have utilized Saab ADS-B on a trial basis since 2007 and have seen the potential benefits in terms of improved situational awareness and efficiency of air traffic,” said Mr. Paisan Praneetpongrang, Senior Director, Air Traffic Services Engineering Support Bureau of AEROTHAI. “The upgraded and expanded trial system will enable us to more accurately evaluate ADS-B as a country-wide solution.”

Saab pioneered the development and implementation of ADS-B, fielding the first operational ADS-B transceivers for both the Mode S Extended Squitter (1090 ES) and Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) datalinks. The deployed Saab ADS-B transceivers are also capable of transponder multilateration, allowing for independent verification of ADS-B data and serving as an auxiliary system. Saab ADS-B provides ASTERIX CAT21 output, fully meeting all ED-129 requirements.

“We have worked closely with AEROTHAI to develop the right system to meet their specific needs and requirements,” said Ken Kaminski, general manager of Saab ATM. “Saab ADS-B is a field-proven solution that is being used or deployed for situational awareness and reduced separation in some of the most challenging air routes.”